As the year 2024 draws to a close, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the artists who have produced interesting works. Among them is Judy Gittelsohn, whose vibrant and deeply personal works stand as a testament to the power of storytelling through art.
Gittelsohn’s paintings are more than visual compositions—they are narratives shaped by her life’s journey. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, she was surrounded by the lush beauty of the Pacific Northwest, a backdrop that nurtured her creative instincts. Her childhood was steeped in family life, with shared meals, summers spent swimming, and trips to Cannon Beach. These moments, layered with nostalgia and connection, remain at the heart of her artistic expression.
Though she initially studied architecture at the University of Oregon, her creative trajectory shifted after moving to San Francisco. Immersed in the city’s vibrant punk scene and artistic culture, Gittelsohn explored a range of interests, including co-founding a maternity clothing company. But painting remained her true calling. In 2007, she founded Art For Well Beings, a studio that empowers individuals with special needs to explore their creativity.
A Window Into Judy Gittelsohn’s Art
Gittelsohn’s works are rich in emotion and meaning. Through her use of color, texture, and symbolism, she creates visual stories that capture moments of movement, introspection, and connection.
Blue Loops
In Blue Loops, Gittelsohn crafts a sense of fluid motion with swirling ribbons of blue. The composition is alive with energy, capturing the essence of natural forces like wind and water. The loops seem suspended mid-air, their varying shades—from pale and translucent to deep and vibrant—evoking an ever-changing landscape.
This piece feels like a visual symphony. The ribbons flow like musical notes, each one contributing to a rhythm that is both serene and dynamic. The interplay between chaos and calm, between what is visible and what is hidden, invites viewers to explore the unseen forces shaping the world around them.
Light Yellow Head
Drawing inspiration from a self-portrait by Rembrandt, Light Yellow Head is a contemplative piece that delves into the complexity of human emotion. The figure’s gaze is steady and direct, yet softened by an underlying vulnerability. The boundaries between the figure and the background are blurred, creating an almost ethereal quality that merges subject and setting.
The choice of light yellow as a dominant color adds a sense of warmth and introspection. It highlights the delicate balance of strength and tenderness in the figure’s expression. By referencing Rembrandt, Gittelsohn bridges the past and present, reinterpreting the emotional depth of the original work with her own perspective.
Creating Connections Through Art
Gittelsohn’s artistic journey isn’t confined to her own creations. Through her work with Art For Well Beings, she has opened the doors of creativity to individuals with special needs, emphasizing art as a tool for inclusion and personal growth. This initiative reflects her belief that art is more than a solitary pursuit—it’s a shared experience that can build bridges and inspire transformation.
Her paintings, whether abstract compositions like Blue Loops or intimate portraits like Light Yellow Head, are imbued with a sense of connection. They encourage viewers to pause and reflect on the emotional layers within each piece. Gittelsohn’s art resonates because it feels familiar, rooted in the shared experiences that make us human.
As 2024 comes to an end, Judy Gittelsohn is an artist who reminds us of the beauty in everyday moments. Her work invites us to see beyond the surface, to engage with the memories and emotions that shape our lives. Through her bold use of color and her commitment to fostering connection, she leaves us with more than art—she offers us a way to understand ourselves and one another.
